Upstate News

May 12, 2003
Doretta Royer 315 464-4833

Upstate Medical University Foundation and WIXT to air Children’s Miracle Network Broadcast June 1

Children take center stage when Upstate Medical University Foundation presents the annual Central New York Children’s Miracle Network Broadcast Sunday, June 1, from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on WIXT NewsChannel 9.

The broadcast caps a year of community fundraising to benefit children who receive care at University Hospital. It also spotlights the newest advances in pediatric medical care at University Hospital and introduces viewers to some of the children who have recovered from life threatening illnesses.

Representatives from area businesses, corporations, health care facilities, schools and community groups will present their Children’s Miracle Network contributions during the broadcast.

Viewers will also be the first to see the newest advances in pediatric medical care, such as updated components of University Hospital’s Children’s Nutrition and Exercise program, new technology to detect arrhythmias in children, and fetal echocardiogram equipment to diagnose congenital heart disease before birth.

The broadcast will also include a tribute to Jessica Rikki Flegal, the late daughter of Children’s Miracle Network Director Toni Gary and WIXT news personality Rick Gary. Over the years Jessica became an integral part of the Children’s Miracle Network team, serving as a volunteer.

The CNY Children’s Miracle Network Broadcast is part of a national effort to raise funds to benefit hospitalized children worldwide. It is presented locally by the Upstate Medical University Foundation and WIXT- NewsChannel 9. Clear Channel’s B104 serves as the promotional sponsor.

All money raised locally through the broadcast and other CNY Children’s Miracle Network events remains in Central New York to benefit the children who receive care at University and Crouse hospitals.

Major sponsors for the 2003 Children’s Miracle Network Broadcast are: Able Smith Tent, B104.7 FM, Carrier Corp., Coca-Cola, Dunkin’ Donuts, the Empire Room at the New York State Fairgrounds, Harrison Bakery, HealthNow, Kinney Drugs, Ontario Division of Kiwanis, McLane Northeast, New York State Troopers Benevolent Association, Verizon, Wegmans and the Wyndham Hotel.

In 2002, the local CMN raised $1,000,100, marking the first time the organization topped the $1 million mark in an annual fundraising campaign.

For more information about the CNY Children’s Miracle Network, call the Upstate Medical University Foundation at 315-464-4416.